Nutritional behaviours and lifestyle before and during covid-19 pandemic: based on data from Polish and Turkish surveys.

Background: Students are a group particularly high risk of adverse effects from such restrictions introduced within counter transmission the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Fear felt of contracting the disease and social isolation can lead to consuming excessive amounts of energy with food, resulting in weight gain and eating disorders. Objective: The aim of the study was analysed selected lifestyle aspects of Polish and Turkish students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the existence of differences between the lifestyles of these individuals during the two periods. Material and methods: The study was conducted at the turn of 2020-2021 among 435 students, including 331 Polish and 104 Turkish students. The research instrument was an original questionnaire created in a Google Forms, consisting of metric and a proper part regarding lifestyle before and during the pandemic. Prior to the actual study, in order to verify whether the research tool is understandable, a pilot study was conducted, which included 40 individuals. The Wilcoxon test was used to examine the differences between the lifestyle of students before and during the pandemic. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both before and during the pandemic, most Polish students ate 4-5 meals daily (52.9% and 47.7%, respectively), while most Turkish students ate 3 meals (47.1% and 38.5%, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in: duration of sleep (p=0.001), way of spending one's leisure time (p=0.001) and type of physical activity (p=0.001) among the Polish and Turkish students before and during the pandemic. Conclusions: The results of this study showed changes in the lifestyle of both Polish and Turkish students during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. This indicates the need to develop interventions to prevent harmful behaviour and their health consequences in the future.

Consumption of selected groups of food products by medical and non-medical students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Background: A properly balanced diet should provide multiple valuable nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body through the proper frequency of consuming food products that are their source. This is particularly important during the pandemic when there is a need to support the immune system. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of consumption of selected groups of food products and to determine whether this frequency differs among medical and non-medical students in the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 435 Polish and Turkish students using an original questionnaire. The proper study was preceded by a pilot study in 40 participants.The Wilcoxon test was used to assess the differences in the frequency of consumption of selected groups of products among medical and non-medical students both during and before the pandemic. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant differences were observed in the frequency of consumption of: sweets (p=0.02 among medical students), salty snacks (p=0.03 among both groups of students), fast food products (p=0.00 among medical and p=0.01 among non-medical students) and energy drinks (p=0.02 among medical and p=0.00 among non-medical student) in the analysed periods of time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The study showed that during the pandemic, the frequency of food products consumption in the study groups of students from medical and non-medical faculties is mostly satisfactory. There were significant differences in the frequency of consumption of sweets, salty snacks, fast food products and energy drinks in both groups of students.

Eating behaviours, the frequency of consumption of selected food products, and selected elements of lifestyle among young dancers.

BACKGROUND: Proper nutrition and balanced physical activity have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of young athletes, supporting their endurance and health, which is particularly important in the period of adolescence. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to assess eating behaviours, frequency of consumption of some food products and selected elements of lifestyle among young dancers, as well as to compare the age of the dancers and the assessed behavior. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 198 dancers aged 10-15 years. An originally developed questionnaire was used as a research tool. RESULTS: The largest group of dancers (43%) spent on training up to 2 hours per week. The recommended 4-5 meals/day were consumed by 61.1% of dancers, with 87.4% of respondents having breakfast on a daily basis. The recommendations on the daily intake of several portions of fruit and vegetables were followed by 49% and 36.9% of dancers, respectively. It is observed, that the consumption rates of sweets increased, while the consumption rates of fruit decreased with dancers'age. The consumption rates of packed lunch and afternoon snack increased, whereas the consumption rates of dinner decreased with an increasing number of hours spent training. CONCLUSIONS: Eating behaviours and the frequency of consumption of food products by young dancers can be described as varied. Their diet is characterised by regular consumption of meals and a correct frequency of consumption of most food products, including high intake of fruit and vegetables, yoghurt and kefir, as well as low consumption of fast food products. The selected elements of dancers' lifestyle, such as sleep time and physical activity, are mostly correct.

Emotional and habitual overeating and dietary restrictions in the eating habits of girls and boys.

BACKGROUND: Eating habits are mainly shaped at the first stages of human life. Incorrect eating habits in young individuals may in the future lead to eating disorders and predispose to abnormal body weight. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate eating habits among adolescents and verify whether there are any differences in eating habits between girls and boys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 337 post-primary school students, including 126 girls and 211 boys. A standardised questionnaire "My eating habits" was used as a research tool. RESULTS: Secret snacking was slightly more common among girls (27.78%) than boys (24.17%). It was also girls who mostly admitted that other people comment on their diet, as indicated by 33.33% of girls and 18.96% of boys. Girls are also more likely to be dissatisfied with their body weight (41.27% vs. 27.49%) and to occasionally avoid eating despite feeling hungry (42.06% vs. 27.01%) compared to boys. CONCLUSIONS: The eating habits of young people are mostly varied. There are differences in the d ietary habits of girls and boys; girls are more likely than boys to overeat under the influence of emotions and to apply dietary restrictions to themselves. In order to promote healthy eating habits and support the mental well-being of young people, it is recommended to provide nutritional education and to implement psychological support for those in need.